A 15-Year-Old Marine
While unwilling to fight in Vietnam, there were thousands who fled to
Canada to avoid the draft.
While I was serving my country
in a different kind of way by working with streets gangs in the war zones of housing
projects in the city of Chicago;
And while I was just turning 19
and receiving a college deferment
from the draft, there was a teenager
with a dream of joining the military
and becoming a marine.
He was a youngster not yet fifteen.
He was determined to live out his dream.
I think not that he needed to let off steam.
Sometimes it's hard to tell what things mean.
His dilemma was the fact that he was only 14 years old
about to turn 15.* To remedy the situation, he decided to falsify his birth certificate. He managed to succeed in doing so, and after finishing his basic training, he was later sent off to the war in Vietnam.
He defended his country before being killed in June of 1969 at age 15. He became the youngest soldier to be (KIA) killed in action for his country. I discovered his story inadvertently while researching other subjects. Prior to a few days ago, I had never heard of him. Now, I shall not fail to honor him.
05262017 Contest, Mid October Standard, Strand *Dan Bullock, Wikipedia
Copyright © Curtis Johnson | Year Posted 2017
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment